The authentic Biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs is representative of the first modern European decorative style not dictated by the tastes of the aristocracy. Following the Napoleonic wars, a growing, wealthy urban middle class in the German-speaking states of Central Europe began to demand rights and privileges once granted only to nobles. To avoid trouble, the upwardly striving confined their political discussions to one another’s homes. And so the salon was born.
Cabinetmakers in cities such as Vienna, Berlin and Mainz began to offer goods that reflected the tastes and needs of the new class. The makers of Biedermeier chairs, tables and other furniture used little or no gilding, silver hardware or other lavish ornament. Ebonized trims are common on Biedermeier cabinetry, and neoclassical elements — lyre-shaped chair splats, carved scrollwork, table supports shaped like Greek columns. But the strongest aesthetic statement came from the wood — richly-grained, honey-colored, often book-matched veneers of walnut and fruitwood.
There are two iconic Biedermeier furniture forms, both made to outfit rooms designed for conversation. One is the sofa, deeply upholstered with a strong, architectural wooden frame. The second is the circular pedestal table, which stood at the center of the room, offering a surface on which to place coffee and cake services; or to roll out a map, or sketch out ideas on paper.
“Biedermeier” was originally a derogatory term — it derives from the pen names of two German magazine writers who mocked bourgeois manners. Looking at the elegant and refined antique, new and vintage Biedermeier furniture offered on 1stDibs, that is now an amusing irony.
Colored Copper Engraving, Biedermeier Style, Circa 1800, Framed
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Colored copper engravin The colored copper engraving bearing the distinctive monogram “P.B.” and the date “1800” is a captivating relic of artistry and history. This exquisite piece...
Copper
Decorative Oil Painting According to the 19th Century Style
Located in Berlin, DE
A dreamlike masterpiece inspired by the old masters of the Romantic period. Finely embraced in a magnificent silver plated wooden frame with numerous rocaille applications. Oil on ca...
Canvas
Rich Baroque Still Life with Fruit, Silverware & Drapery (19th Century)
Located in Berlin, DE
This sumptuous still life is a wonderful celebration of abundance and artistry, painted in the grand Baroque tradition. Arranged upon a stone tabletop and a deep red drapery, the com...
Wood
Antique Embroidery Little Girl House Door Vine Flower Bouquet Wall Key Cabinet
Located in Munich, DE
This highly amusing and unusual little wall cabinet for keys is decorated with a charming embroidery picture of a little girl wearing a red dress wi...
Glass, Wool, Wood
Hand-Painted Biedermeier Wooded Landscape, Late 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a Dutch Flemish landscape painting titled "Wooded Landscape" showing impenetrable woods
Wood
The Avenue at Middellaruis, Hand-Painted Biedermeier Landscape, 24x31
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of an Impressionist landscape painting titled "The Avenue at Middellaruis" showing a tree lined road
Paint
Fishing Boats Near Saintes Maries Seascape Painting, Gold Ink, 16x19
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of an impressionist seascape painting titled "Fishing Boats Near Saintes Maries" done in gold tone pen and ink Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Paint
Ships Under Sail Seascape, Hand-Painted Biedermeier, Late 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a seascape painting showing ships under sail in open ocean
Paint
Landscape Painting of People Watching Lightning, Antique, 57x71 Inches
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a landscape painting showing people watching lightning strike near classical ruins.
Paint
Hand-Painted Biedermeier Admiral Portrait, Late 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a portrait painting of an Admiral in blue dress uniform with red sash full of medals
Ash
Azealas Hand-Painted Biedermeier Painting, Late 20th Century, Europe
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of an interior scene painting titled "Azealas" showing a woman in Victorian dress in a sun room
Paint
Beach at Scheveningen Painting, Hand-Painted Biedermeier Style
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a landscape painting titled "Beach at Schevenigen" showing figures unloading boats
Paint
The Letter Painting, Hand-Painted Biedermeier Style, Late 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of an interior scene painting titled "The Letter" showing a woman in a red and white gown penning a letter
Paint
Girl Interrupted at Music Painting, Hand-Painted, Biedermeier Style
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a Dutch master style painting titled "Girl Interrupted at Her Music" with girl seated under window
Paint
Hand-Painted Biedermeier Style Dessert Table, Late 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a Dutch Flemish still life painting titled "A Table of Desserts" showing wine, fruits and pie in copious amounts Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Paint
Hand-Painted Biedermeier Style Landscape with Ford, Late 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of painting titled "Landscape with Ford" showing foot traffic at a busy stream crossing in a forest Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Paint
Impressionist Landscape Painting of Houses in Woods, Antique, 27x49
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of Impressionist landscape painting showing houses nestled in woods on a hillside
Wood
Continental Dutch Blue and White Hand Painted DIsplay Plate
Located in Queens, NY
Continental Dutch (18th Century) blue and white decorated charger / plate with a centered scene of a person on a lake fishing surrounded by floral patterns
Porcelain
19th Century Biedermeier Oil on Canvas Portrait of a Couple
Located in Berlin, DE
Biedermeier portrait of a couple, circa 1830-1850. Two elaborately restored portraits painted on a new wedge frame. Oil on canvas with gold frame.
Canvas
Photographic reproduction “Goethe in the Campagna”
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Photographic reproduction “Goethe in the Campagna” is a painting by the German artist Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein, created in 1787. The painting depicts the famous German poet ...
Glass, Hardwood, Paper